Experts debate social media ban for children under 16

The European Parliament’s Office in Zagreb hosted on Monday a discussion on whether children under 16 should be banned from using social media platforms.

Statistics show that nearly all teenagers in the EU use the internet daily. Among 15-year-olds, 37% spend more than three hours per day on social media during the week, and it is estimated that one in six children has been a victim of cyberbullying.

Experts say legislation to protect children online needs to be accelerated. Some propose a stronger legal framework and stricter requirements for social media platforms to comply with safety regulations.

“The design of these platforms—this is no secret—encourages high usage. Recommendation algorithms can accelerate exposure to harmful content and increase the risk of anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and feelings of isolation,” said Croatian MEP Sunčana Glavak (HDZ).

Damir Habijan, Minister of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation, warned that technology is advancing faster than regulation. “If legislation does not keep pace with technology, research, and development—I am not saying R&D is bad—I fear we may already be losing this battle,” he said.

Independent MP Marija Selak Raspudić proposed a new legislative initiative on Monday that would limit access to major digital platforms and social networks for children under 16.

“Virtual reality is largely unregulated, and we can see its harmful effects on children. Even kindergarten-age children are becoming addicted to mobile phones and the internet,” Selak Raspudić said at a press conference in Parliament.